Hits: After a much more rigorous offseason of conditioning and lifting, Todd Helton is hinting that he might prove people wrong after the worst season of his career. Helton went 2-for-3 with two doubles. Both were crushed, and follow a Cubs’ game when he missed a home run by five feet. Helton credits work with hitting instructor Carney Lansford for helping him rediscover his old swing.

… Prospect Charlie Blackmon became first Rockie to hit for the cycle this spring with his triple. He has seven hits in 12 games. … Esmil Rogers, the new leader for the fifth-starter’s job, called his outing his best day of spring. He worked four innings, allowing three runs, his line spoiled by Ryan Braun’s three-run home run. … Chris Nelson went Little League on the Brewers late in the game, tripling, then throwing a runner out at home run and starting a doubleplay to preserve a 6-all tie in the ninth inning. … Cole Garner doubled and scored to shove the Rockies ahead in the 10th inning.

Misses: Carlos Gonzalez forgot his jersey for the game. Third base coach Rich Dauer gave him No. 25 and wore No. 85. Gonzalez playfully blamed reliever Rafael Betancourt for rushing him to the park. … The heat is going to start simmering on Matt Reynolds. The left-handed reliever has allowed nine hits and five runs in four innings. Has not had a scoreless outing this spring. … Matt Belisle was not sharp, issuing two walks in a rugged outing. … Former first-round pick Casey Weathers allowed two runs in the 10th inning.

What’s next: Royals at Rockies, 1:05 p.m., Salt River Fields

Jason Hammel, who will be working on become more efficient wit two strikes, makes his third start. His performance early in the season is growing in importance given the uncertainty surrounding the fifth spot in the rotation. Matt Lindstrom, Franklin Morales, Matt Daley, Rex Brothers and Bruce Billings will follow. Colorado prep star Luke Hochevar will start opposite of Hammel.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.